2006 BMW 3 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › 3 Series › 2006
These records cover every 2006 BMW 3 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2006 BMW 3 Series. Newest first.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy
Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
BMW IS recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 X3 passenger vehicles. depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat. if this occurs, the front passenger air bags, with the exception of the head protection system…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur and occupant protection provided by the system would not be possible.
Remedy
Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. the recall began on november 6, 2008. BMW will also extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
On certain vehicles, one of the suspension control arm and swivel bearing connection bolts was not tightened correctly. the bolted connection could loosen.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The bolted connection could break which could impair vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the bolted connection and, if necessary, adjust the connection. in some cases, it may be necessary to replace the suspension control arm and the swivel bearing. the recall began on november 21, 2006. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Owner complaints
202 complaints6 involved a crash1 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Coolant hoses released and radiator split open -- appeared while driving --- fluid released onto windshield
- Electrical system
While driving the vehicle the glove box department caught on fire.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
I was receiving a imagine on the on board computer saying that my headlights were not working. Upon inspection inside the headlight's casing, I saw that all of the wiring's protection had completely fell off (probably due to the humid southern climate of north texas) leaving almost all of the…
I was receiving a imagine on the on board computer saying that my headlights were not working. Upon inspection inside the headlight's casing, I saw that all of the wiring's protection had completely fell off (probably due to the humid southern climate of north texas) leaving almost all of the wiring on both sides of my headlights (driver and passenger side) completely exposed. The copper wiring inside IS almost all exposed. Obviously this IS causing the headlights to short and leaving me with no visibility while driving at night. This IS a model without angel eyes, so my drl do not work what so ever. These headlights are completely stock, so this IS a factory fault. Very unhappy with this. Thanks BMW for the "fantastic" engineering! Should be covered under a recall.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel leak coming from the fuel filter / fuel pressure regulator, located inside the fuel tank. The plastic cover where the presurred fuel line IS connected cracks causing the fuel to leak. I noticed the issue due to a strong fuel smell comming from the left rear of the vehicle. I followed the smell…
Fuel leak coming from the fuel filter / fuel pressure regulator, located inside the fuel tank. The plastic cover where the presurred fuel line IS connected cracks causing the fuel to leak. I noticed the issue due to a strong fuel smell comming from the left rear of the vehicle. I followed the smell and it took me to the fuel tank access under the rear seat on the left (driver) side. That IS where I noticed fuel accumulation outside the tank. Then I proceed to start the engine and clearly noticed the fuel leaking from an small crack on the filter (not the fuel line). I started a research on the subject and I found several complains about this issue including videos on youtube on many BMW models. Also found there IS an active safety recall for some VW models with the same situation. The parts from both vehicle brands are pretty similar and the parts are from the same supplier (vdo). I just need you take a look at this as a safety concern before vehicles start catching fire. Thanks for your attention on this matter. Sorry for not having pictures, just google it and you will see it.
- Electrical system
Recall 17v-676: blower motor wiring burning hot air from the vent IS in with or without fan on (motion or parking). it IS overdue and no response from BMW of america, llc as I kept on calling the office many times since 12/16/2017 letter received. 1/19/2018 6/5/2018 8/20/2018 10/12/2018 to nhtsa 11/5/2018
- Electrical system · Steering
Electronic steering wheel lock. This IS in the steering column when it fails the car will not start. It seems to be a pretty common problem. I was hoping there was a recall for this issue, but can not find one.
- Structure › Body
Doors will not unlock, serious hazard in emergency situation if doors won't unlock. doors lock/unlock problem, I've had to exit thru windows. No manual unlock from inside vehicle. Mechanism IS operational, must be computer problem. Fuse replaced,ckd many threads with same issue. Www.bimmerfest.com / 3 + times happened to me.
- Air bags · Electrical system
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 BMW 3 series. When the contact purchased the vehicle from one source motors (10633 northland dr ne, rockford, mi 49341, (616) 951-7068), he was not informed that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) and nhtsa campaign…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 BMW 3 series. When the contact purchased the vehicle from one source motors (10633 northland dr ne, rockford, mi 49341, (616) 951-7068), he was not informed that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) and nhtsa campaign number: 17v676000 (electrical system). Sharpe BMW (1010 28TH st SE, grand rapids, mi 49508, (616) 452-5101) scheduled an appointment and indicated that the air bag repair had been completed, but did not address the repair for the electrical system. The manufacturer stated that the part was unavailable and had not provided a time frame to provide the part to the dealer. In addition, the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated, which was a safety concern. Sharpe BMW diagnosed that the floormat sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer both stated that the vehicle was not included in any air bag recalls to cover the floormat sensor failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Vin tool confirms parts not available for nhtsa campaign number: 17v676000 and parts distribution disconnect for nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000.
- Electrical system
Complete loss of electrical power while driving, usually from 30 to 70 mph, on a city street, country road and interstate highway. This has happened multiple times since buying the car second hand in july 2017 to the present january 2018. We will no longer drive the car since it IS quite…
Complete loss of electrical power while driving, usually from 30 to 70 mph, on a city street, country road and interstate highway. This has happened multiple times since buying the car second hand in july 2017 to the present january 2018. We will no longer drive the car since it IS quite frightening to lose power while driving 70 mph on the highway in traffic. also, several times there IS no electrical power at all in the car after stopping the car and trying to restart it. The battery has been tested and IS charged and working normally. there IS a recall for the positive battery connection and cable to the terminal connection at the cabin fuse box which can wear out and fail for bmws starting in 2007 that cause the same problems. Our car has the same problem but why IS it not included in the recall ?
- Engine · Power train
Oil keep leaking out of training. it was fixed twice so far. back brake line keeps breaking when you drive in snow.
- Air bags · Electrical system
Takata recall. The front passenger seat sensor in my 2006 BMW IS defective making the passenger airbags turned off during the event of a crash when car IS on or running airbag and seatbelt light turn on. Many other 2006 bmws like mine are affected with this issue. A recall has been done for bmws…
Takata recall. The front passenger seat sensor in my 2006 BMW IS defective making the passenger airbags turned off during the event of a crash when car IS on or running airbag and seatbelt light turn on. Many other 2006 bmws like mine are affected with this issue. A recall has been done for bmws for models 2007 and newer but not for the 2006 model year. A recall needs to be done for this year make to insure the safety of people and passengers riding in this car. I use this car as a daily driver with my 5 year old daughter. Please update new info asap
- Steering
Steering wheel lock up light come on and lock up some time.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
Passenger restraint system fault. received warning message when passenger sits in front seat. Light stays on most of time.
- Engine
Engine bolts - aluminum bolt heads were found by mechanic in engine compartment. although mechanic has stated this does not pose safety risk, seems numerous customers with a BMW 3 series 2006 have experienced the aluminum bolt sheering off issue.
- Air bags
BMW continues to drag its feet on fixing recall. I have not been able to drive my vehicle for over 6 months now. called dealer in charlotte nc (hendrick BMW on e. Independence boulevard) multiple times and each time they either do not have the part or need to order it.
- Air bags · Seats
Takata recall- my airbag in the steering wheel has been replaced. The passenger seat mat sensor has had to be replaced 2X(1X under warranty) 1X I had to pay out of pocket and now a 3RD time (out of pocket) it has broken again. I believe this IS a faulty part and should be covered under warranty. the vehicle was stationary each time this has broken.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
Getting a hard warning for "passenger restraint system malfunction". Apparently this has something to do with a sensor in the passenger seat going bad. This can cause injury or fatality as the passenger airbag will not deploy correctly. There has been a recall for this but my vin was not included.
- Air bags · Seats
Restraint malfunction for front passenger code 93C3. My vin IS not a part of the recall but the particular model has recall for the same issue. the code IS for the airbag which would not deploy in the case of an accident if a passenger IS sitting in the front seat or not.
- Air bags
The ID light came on for passenger air. it said that passenger air bag was off. we took to BMW of roanoke to repair and state inspect the vehicle. they had to replace the passenger air bag mat at a cost of $ 1,433.87 on invoice no. Bmcs56560. my concern IS that if we were involved in accident…
The ID light came on for passenger air. it said that passenger air bag was off. we took to BMW of roanoke to repair and state inspect the vehicle. they had to replace the passenger air bag mat at a cost of $ 1,433.87 on invoice no. Bmcs56560. my concern IS that if we were involved in accident the passenger air bag would have not worked and my wife could have been hurt or killed. I have the old part and could send it to you. the BMW only has 105,747 miles and was delivered per BMW of roanoke 12/24/2009. it IS not no recall but maybe it should have been
- Air bags
"Takata recall" - the airbag warning light came on as of 02/13/17. The car was in motion when this occurred on a city street.
- Seats
Front seat passenger occupant protection mat failed. air bag will not deploy. air bag faults were shown on the dashboard and information center. recall campaign - 08v384000 was issued but my vehicle IS not covered. recall campaign should be extended to other models in this year.
- Air bags · Engine · Visibility/wiper
Passenger air bags and seat belt wont work and BMW wont fix. Electrical:radio,climate control,headlights and windshield washer pump. Window regulators. And the worst:learning from x_employees of BMW say that BMW purposefully miss-torques oil pan,valve cover and oil filter housing so the fail right after 50,000 mile warranty. Every E90 has these problems. And window regulators all except driver side. in motion.
- Air bags
Received notice 11/14/2016 regarding recall # 15v-318 driver's side airbag. contacted the local dealer 11/18 who said parts were unavailable until year end. bmw's 800 number confirmed there was a shortage of parts in the region. this IS at least a 6 week delay based on part availability. unacceptable
- Air bags
Takata recall- my airbag light IS on- I have been waiting for almost 1 year for my airbag to be replaced. I keep getting told that there IS no remedy available. The dealer name: ralph schomp BMW 1190 plum valley ln highlands ranch, co 80129 1-888-205-2938
- Air bags
I got a letter in the mail about 9 months ago regarding replace the airbags and never heard anything since. The letter mentioned that when ever they get the parts they would contact me. Not sure what the exact date IS I got the letter for the recall
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- BMW airbag light illumination
BMW IS conducting a safety recall campaign on approximately 200,000 MY04 through MY06 subject vehicles built through 11/30/05 to correct the front passenger seat air bag occupant detection mat. The specific vehicles included in the recall aremy04- 06/ 5-series with standard and sport seats, my04-06/ x3-series and…
BMW IS conducting a safety recall campaign on approximately 200,000 MY04 through MY06 subject vehicles built through 11/30/05 to correct the front passenger seat air bag occupant detection mat. The specific vehicles included in the recall aremy04- 06/ 5-series with standard and sport seats, my04-06/ x3-series and MY06/ 3-series with sport seats. In addition, BMW will extend the warranty coverage of the passenger seat air bag occupant detection mat to 10-year/unlimited mileage on approximately 120,000 remaining my04-06 subject vehicles built through 11/30/05. The specific vehicles included in the extended warranty are my 06/ 6 series, my 06/ 3-series with standard seats, my04-05/ Z4, my04-06/ 7 series, my 06/ X5, and my04-06/ 5-series with comfort seats.the average frequency of failures among the extended warranty groups was less than 1/7TH of the recall vehicle groups.please see bmw's 08v-384 recall notification for further detailsdepending on seat configuration and vehicle geometry, the occupant detection mat can fatigue during use depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit.specifically, over time, micro-cracks could develop in the side flanks of the mat causing a broken circuit.a brokencircuit can lead to the deactivation of the passenger air bag and the illumination of both the air bag warning light and the passenger air bag light.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10182619Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.
- 10056703BMW: see document search button for owner letter. Limited warranty has been extended, up to 15 years, on certain vehicles, without mileage limitation for front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) (materials and workmanship). Model 2006-2007 E60 (5 series sedan, E61 (5 series sportswagon), E85 (Z4 roadster), E90 (3 series), E90 (3 series sport wagon).
- 10056098BMW: some airbags, driver and front passenger, are improperly deploying due to a possible inflator not produced to specifications. Model 2001-2006 E46 (3 series). Updated 9/4/14.
- 10052012BMW: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This IS causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 10051519BMW: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle IS prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10051459BMW: dsc warning light IS on. The warning lamps for dsc, ABS and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
- 10051359BMW: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4B. Covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle/sav limited warranty.
- 10044032BMW: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 10042686BMW: on certain vehicles, the jbe (junction box electronics) module fails programming during a software update of the vehicle.
- 10042684BMW: on some vehicles, the high pressure fuel pump has an internal component that may fail and causing drivability symptoms such as erratic engine operation and longer starting times.
- 10041411BMW: E92. The seat belt extender on the front drivers or passenger side failed to deliver the belt. The safety belt extender extends but the belt slips off. The hand on the extender fails. The safety belt IS twisted. The extender will not operate and makes noise while extending.
- 10040854BMW: the vehicle electrical system fails and the vehicle fails to start. The central locking system fails to operate with the remote key. The key cannot be inserted into the key slot. Communication to the vehicle IS not possible. The positive battery cable connection at the front power distribution box loses connection.
- 10040852BMW: the service engine soon light IS on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10040736BMW: various functions in the vehicle are not working including: instruments, door locks, wipers, and other electrical functions. There may also be warning lights on. K-can wiring in the vehicle shorted. Updated 10/5/11.
- 10040170BMW: a software error IS causing the the service engine soon light to come on. There will be stored trouble codes.
- 10040057BMW: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. Updated 9/30/11.
- 10040050BMW: the end of the seatbelt assistant breaks/falls off when retracting. The retaining tab IS not robust enough. E92.
- 10040049BMW: a software problem IS causing one or both of the seat belt assistants to not extend fully or may not extend at all. The position at which the assistant comes to rest varies. E92.
- 10040045BMW: a new technical support process has been created regarding transmission concerns.
- 10039765BMW: the service engine soon light IS on while driving. This IS a programming issue. Updated 1/4/12. Updated 4/24/12.
- 10039592BMW: the painted surface on the interior door handle may peel due to exposure to hand creams and sun-tanning lotions.
- 10039591BMW: the service engine light IS on with stored fault codes. There IS a wiring/connection problem or a faulty sensor.
- 10037700BMW: there may be excessive cranking before the vehicle starts. The service engine soon light may also be on with a lack of engine power.
- 10037487BMW: on some E92 models the safety belt extender IS not extending the belt or IS noisy. This can be a fault of the extender or the belt IS contorted.
- 10037079BMW: service engine soon light IS on. The vehicle lost power and the engine cranks with no start. Updated 5/19/15.
- 10037078BMW: the airbag warning lamp IS illuminated due to a software error.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10037010BMW: six different models equipped with the M54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. This IS due to moisture accumulation.
- 10036985BMW: a service engine soon light comes on. The engine will only operate to 1500 rpms and lacks power. There IS a software application error.
- 10036984BMW: it IS now possible to perform a fuel quality detection test on vehicles with an N54 engine.
- 10036983BMW: service engine soon light IS on with diesel engines.
- 10036982BMW: there IS a rough engine idle and "service engine soon light" when driving downhill in high altitudes during cold weather. There may be six different fault codes.
- 10036981BMW: warning message on about low diesel exhaust fuel level and that the engine will not restart within 999 miles. The light comes on a few thousand miles earlier than a recommended oil change.
- 10036980BMW: a new technical process IS being used on many models to determine the root cause of double-clutch transmission problems.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10035247BMW vehicle: front safety belt does not retract smoothly or jams. The upper part of the driver's or passenger's front safety belt does not roll up fully or rolls up slowly. The adjustment of the inertia reel IS incorrect at the fastening point. The belt IS touching the guide funnel. Models E90, E91 and E92. No model years listed.
- 10035224BMW vehicle: rear bulb failure. The bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. Diagnosis shows a fault for the rear lamp. The bulb out can be displayed for 2 possible causes: poor fit between the bulb and bulb holder; bulb failure caused by vibration.
- 10035010BMW vehicle: transmission warning light IS illuminated and the transmission enters failsafe mode. Fault code 4F81 (ratio monitoring, clutch a), in some cases combined with the subsequent faults 507b/507c (parking gear sensor implausible signal) or 507D (parking gear incorrectly disengaged), are stored in the egs control module. E60, E51, E65, E66, E70, E90, E91, E92, E93. No model years listed.
Every BMW 3 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.